Make the vehicle a fun place - without going anywhere

Introduce games and enrichment to allow the puppy to feel comfortable and confident inside of a vehicle.

• Kong Time - Allow the dog to spend some quality time just hanging out in the vehicle while enjoying a tasty stuffed Kong.
• Mealtime - Feed a few meals each week inside the vehicle.
• In & Out - Practice getting in and out of the vehicle with lots of kibble rewards and verbal praise.

Getting In & Out (by age)

10 Weeks to 4 Months

Lift the puppy in and out of the vehicle so the puppy’s joints are not stressed. Ramps in and out of vehicles may be introduced.

4 - 6 Months

The puppy may jump in and out of low vehicles. Assist the puppy with getting out of tall SUVs and trucks to prevent injuries to developing front-end joints.

6 - 9 Months

The puppy may jump in and out of all vehicles. Continue to assist the puppy out of the vehicle if it is still exhibiting a gangly/loose teenage body.

9 Months & Beyond

The puppy may jump in and out of all vehicles.

Step

Teaching the puppy to “step” up onto an elevated surface can make getting in and out of a vehicle easier. Click here for a video showing “step” being used for vehicle loading & unloading.